Military Coup Forces Sudan President Out

Military Coup Forces Sudan President Out

After nearly three decades in power, Sudan President Omar al-Bashir was forced out of office early Thursday in a reported military coup.

Thousands celebrated in the streets following his removal.

Sudan's Vice President, who is also the country's Defense Minister, says Bashir's government has been dissolved and the constitution has been suspended.

He said a military council will be put in place to oversee the two year transition period, though protesters are demanding power be handed to a civilian transitional government.

Officials say all political prisoners are in the process of being released from jails.

The military declared a three-month state of emergency in Sudan along with a curfew.

But a UN human rights official is asking the military to take a different approach, saying "I urge the authorities to lift the national state of emergency and respond to the legitimate grievances of the Sudanese people through inclusive peaceful political process." Bashir's ouster comes after months of mass protests demanding he be forced out.

During his reign, Bashir faced accusations of genocide and war crimes, but was never brought to justice.

According to CNN.com, "On April 30, Venezuela seemed to be on the verge of a historic military and civilian uprising. The next day, that momentum died, and the country that had been bracing for change..